Barry Baker

Loves journalism, is not a journalist. Loves politics, is not a politician. Loves the media, is not a medium. Barry is committed to helping the world become a more interesting place with Power of Opinion.

June 30, 2007

It Takes a Village to Raise a Child

Brittany has overcome more challenges than most people face in a lifetime to achieve this remarkable accomplishment. She spent the first years of her life in and out of the Royal Inland and BC Children’s Hospital. During her primary school years, she struggled to attend full days despite requiring 24x7 oxygen and the attention of a roster of caring nurses.

Brittany has always looked to Rick Hansen as her personal role model. After many years in a wheelchair, Brittany’s focus on her goals and efforts to achieve them paid off as she learned to walk independently, first with the aid of a walker, then sticks (crutches), and finally canes. As she gradually developed greater stamina and cardiovascular fitness she eventually she weaned herself off oxygen.

Brittany is a tireless fundraiser; every year she raises significant funds for both the Rick Hansen Foundation and the Kamloops SPCA. Watching Brittany beam as she walked proudly across the stage was a proud moment. To cap it all off, she was unexpectedly recognized with the Reno Fabbro Award - Sahali Secondary’s Principal’s Award - at the school’s awards assembly on Thursday. In her own way, Brittany has become a role model to everyone who knows her.

Brittany is fortunate to have a large extended family that includes four parents, many siblings, grand parents, great grand parents, cousins, aunts, uncles, doctors, nurses, therapists, technicians, school support workers, educators, administrators, home car providers, counselors, fellow students, and friends who have helped her achieve this goal. We hope that they are all aware of the tremendous positive impact they have had on her life, and our gratitude for their efforts.

To share your thoughts with Right Up Your Alley: Kamloops readers, click on "Comments" (below).

Comments

Brittany has overcome more challenges than most people face in a lifetime to achieve this remarkable accomplishment. She spent the first years of her life in and out of the Royal Inland and BC Children’s Hospital. During her primary school years, she struggled to attend full days despite requiring 24x7 oxygen and the attention of a roster of caring nurses.

Brittany has always looked to Rick Hansen as her personal role model. After many years in a wheelchair, Brittany’s focus on her goals and efforts to achieve them paid off as she learned to walk independently, first with the aid of a walker, then sticks (crutches), and finally canes. As she gradually developed greater stamina and cardiovascular fitness she eventually she weaned herself off oxygen.

Brittany is a tireless fundraiser; every year she raises significant funds for both the Rick Hansen Foundation and the Kamloops SPCA. Watching Brittany beam as she walked proudly across the stage was a proud moment. To cap it all off, she was unexpectedly recognized with the Reno Fabbro Award - Sahali Secondary’s Principal’s Award - at the school’s awards assembly on Thursday. In her own way, Brittany has become a role model to everyone who knows her.

Brittany is fortunate to have a large extended family that includes four parents, many siblings, grand parents, great grand parents, cousins, aunts, uncles, doctors, nurses, therapists, technicians, school support workers, educators, administrators, home car providers, counselors, fellow students, and friends who have helped her achieve this goal. We hope that they are all aware of the tremendous positive impact they have had on her life, and our gratitude for their efforts.

To share your thoughts with Right Up Your Alley: Kamloops readers, click on "Comments" (below).